ADHD in Women - Why Gender Bias and Outdated Criteria May Play a Role
Women are often underdiagnosed and untreated for ADHD. Gender bias and outdated criteria can be a factor.
Doctors interview patients and ask those who are familiar with them like spouses siblings, friends, or family members to assess symptoms.
Symptoms of adult ADHD can be different at different times, such as during menstrual periods or during pregnancy or menopausal. They can impact relationships, work, and life in general.
Signs and symptoms
Women and those who are deemed female at birth, (AFAB), often are not diagnosed. They may also receive an incorrect diagnosis. This can be a frustrating experience and can cause feelings of despair. It's important to remember, however, that these problems don't originate from you and have nothing to do with be related to your actions or personality.
ADHD symptoms in women can be varied in severity, but the most frequent ones are forgetfulness, disorganization and difficulty staying focused. There are also issues with paying attention or finishing tasks, and may end up in difficulties at work or school and having trouble maintaining relationships and managing your finances, and becoming constantly anxious and stressed constantly. Many women also experience emotional distress, such as mood shifts or a negative opinion of themselves. Some even experience non-suicidal self-injury such as burning or cutting or having trouble sleeping.
It is important to remember that the symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the stage of women's work or life. This is due to hormonal changes. Women who suffer from ADHD may experience worse symptoms during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy, and when they're going through menopausal. Certain beliefs about gender and behavior can affect the degree to which symptoms are recognized. For instance, if you're a woman with ADHD or impulsive behavior, your actions or mood changes may be mistaken for signs of depression, and your forgetfulness and lack of organization could be interpreted as part of a woman's "female traits."
These differences can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to get the support and help you need. It's a good idea always to start with your primary physician, who can refer you to a mental healthcare professional for an evaluation. Some women with ADHD also benefit from learning to improve their organizational skills and develop better strategies for dealing with stress. You can also talk to a career counsellor or join an online support group.
It is important to remember that the treatment of ADHD for women is similar to the treatment of men and may include stimulants. It is also recommended to discuss with your doctor about any existing conditions, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
It can be hard to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. You may have missed your symptoms in childhood or learned to disguise them. Additionally gender stereotypes can make it harder for women to receive a diagnosis. Women who suffer from ADHD might be misdiagnosed as "high-functioning," or as having "mood disorders."
You must meet certain requirements to be diagnosed with ADHD. The first requirement is to have five ongoing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interfere with work or school life. It is also essential to have had these symptoms since before you reached the age of 12. Second, the symptoms should cause major issues in two different settings such as at work or at home. In addition the symptoms must be present for a period of more than six months before they can be considered a diagnosis.
You'll also need to have a physical examination to rule out any medical reasons for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues or seizure disorders. You'll likely take psychological tests, too for example, the behavior rating scale. The examiner may ask you questions regarding your past and how you handled your symptoms. They may also request to talk with people who know you well, such as close friends and family members. The evaluation's findings will be used to produce a report that you can look over.
In some instances, the evaluator will decide that you don't have ADHD. They may say that your symptoms, although minor or specific, do not hinder your everyday functioning. They could also rule out the condition if you suffer from other mental health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist if you are seeking a physician who can test your symptoms for ADHD. They can recommend psychologists or psychiatrists who is specialized in ADHD. Alternately, you can contact your insurance company or inquire at the local hospital affiliated with a university to find a medical professional who treats adults with ADHD. You can also join an ADHD support group and ask for recommendations.
Treatment
While ADHD is more prevalent for males and boys but it also affects a large number of women. However, it is often more difficult for females to seek treatment than men due to the way they mask their symptoms. The symptoms can range from not remembering appointments to being unable to work in noisy or crowded environments.
Women with ADHD might feel pressured to live up to society's expectations. They might be expected to look after their children, take on multiple roles in the workplace and maintain a stable relationship. This can be particularly challenging for those with hyperactive, impulsive or other symptoms. It is essential that women suffering from these conditions receive regular psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with stimulant medication. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulant drugs that can be used in place of stimulants include atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Kapvay). Medications must be carefully monitored by a medical professional in order to ensure that the right dose is being administered.
There are numerous lifestyle strategies available to help people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms. These can include sleep hygiene, exercise, and healthy eating. Stress management strategies and home and work-life arrangements can also be beneficial. Psychotherapy can help women suffering from symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known option and can help with depression and anxiety, both of which are sometimes co-occurring conditions that are associated with ADHD.
Based on the uniqueness of your situation, you may benefit from a combination therapy. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, lifestyle, and symptom intensity when developing a plan. They will also take into account any other health issues you may have and whether there are any drug interactions or side effects to watch out for. They will also consider the effect of hormone fluctuations during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopausal and menopausal. This will allow them to prescribe the right dosage and type of medication for you. Medicines can help boost your mood and increase your ability to focus.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD are often underdiagnosed. ADHD research is usually focused on boys and men. This can lead healthcare professionals and educators to overlook symptoms in girls and women. This means that women are less able than men to screening tools and treatments. Fortunately, that is changing. There are more resources for women with ADHD, and they are better aware of their symptoms.
ADHD in treatment for adhd in women can lead to problems with relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. It can also lead women to abuse substances or other unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating. The symptoms can vary throughout different phases of life. For instance, changes in hormone levels can affect the severity of symptoms. These mood swings may be misinterpreted as depression and anxiety by other people, which could further delay an accurate diagnosis.
The World Health Organization has developed a new online screening tool to diagnose adult ADHD. This screening tool was designed specifically for women and utilizes real-life experiences to create questions that a healthcare professional can answer. It helps to identify the most prevalent ADHD symptoms for women. It also provides information that can be shared with a physician.
The test requires a person to answer 18 questions that are broken down by the four core symptoms of ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and two other symptom areas. Based on your answers, a score is calculated to determine the severity of the symptoms. The screening tool can be completed online and is completely free. It is important to note that it cannot replace an assessment of your condition. It should only be used in conjunction with an ADHD consultation.
Women suffering from ADHD who seek treatment find that their lives increases dramatically. The right treatment options can improve relationships, set them up to be successful at work and school and help them to become more aware of themselves. Support systems are also crucial. This can be done by joining a support system or finding a coach with expertise working with women.